YAMATO: The Drummers of Japan Come to the MAC Feb. 23

The McAninch Arts Center welcomes YAMATO: The Drummers of Japan and their powerhouse program, “人の力 ‘Hito no Chikara’ – The Power of Human Strength” at 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23. This new show takes its inspiration from humanity’s ever evolving relationship with technology and artificial intelligence.

Times UK describes YAMATO: The Drummers of Japan as “A genuinely theatrical experience, delivered with balletic grace and infectious humor;” and The Scotsman says, “This is a show of unbridled enthusiasm and great musical variety.” With 40 taiko drums of different types and sizes, the troupe’s energetic and athletic drummers will channel the heartbeat and spirit of their homeland in this truly spectacular production to thrill all ages.

For centuries the taiko drum has been part of Japanese culture. First used in Japanese military, the instrument has evolved into a sacred drum of the Shinto and Japanese Buddhist religions. Whether sounding at rituals or festivals throughout Japan, taiko drums are familiar to every Japanese. YAMATO strives to bring taiko’s sacredness all over the world in a celebration of Japanese culture.

YAMATO: The Drummers of Japan is a Japanese taiko drumming group based in Asuka-mura Nara Prefecture recognized by many Japanese as the hometown of Japanese drumming. The troupe was founded in 1993 by Artistic Director Masa Ogawa. Since then, they have performed more than 4,500 shows across 54 countries. Their unforgettable productions are unique in that they take the audience through a captivating, energizing journey to the pulse pounding sound of the taiko drum. The drums vary in size with the largest drum measuring two meters in diameter and weighing 1100 pounds. Different sizes produce a different sound, making their presentation highly specialized. To handle the drums, the performers must engage their entire bodies into their motions, making them athletes as well as artists. The troupe also plays Japanese instruments including the shamisen, koto, chappa and shinobue.

McAninch Arts Center, located at 425 Fawell Blvd. on the campus of College of DuPage, presents “YAMATO, the Drummers of Japan” at 7 p.m., Feb. 23. Tickets are $52-$62. For tickets or more information, visit AtTheMAC.org or call 630.942.4000. The McAninch Box Office is open Tuesday – Saturday, noon – 6 p.m. and two hours prior to performance.

On Feb. 23, the College of DuPage Foundation hosts “Waves of Japan: Night of Drums and Dreams" a gala benefit supporting the “Hokusai and Ukiyo-e: The Floating World” exhibition coming this summer to the Cleve Carney Museum of Art and the MAC on the campus of College of DuPage. The gala takes place at the McAninch Arts Center and begins at 4 p.m. Gala tickets include tickets to YAMATO’s full performance. For more tickets or more information visit hokusai.givesmart.com.